Eight 2024 Breakout Stars From The Class Of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 is right in the heart of where it is going to make the biggest gains on the volleyball court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a big club season ahead and a junior prep season next fall, this is a big opportunity for a number of them to breakout in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's eight players that we think could be poised for a breakout year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226875' first='Ella' last='Andrews'], MB Mercy/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andrews certainly has established herself as an elite player at the club level with Legacy. Coming up in 2024, the state of Michigan is going to see just how talented this 6'4” middle is. After sitting out the 2023 season due to transferring to Mercy, Andrews will give the Marlins a huge presence in the middle as they defend their 2023 title. Andrews is dominant with her attacking and blocking and partnering with [player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn'] will bring the best out of her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438529' first='Mckenna' last='Boykin'], MH Portland/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boykin has a lot of good athleticism mixed with solid power in her attack. She's a prospect that wants to get better and has the drive to do so. She's upgrading her club season to joining MVA, which should challenge her to improve on a weekly basis. This club season is a chance for her to become a more consistent finisher and improve on her footwork. Boykin is already a strong blocker, but she's got the potential to be a dominant offensive middle as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240701' first='Giselle' last='Burlingame'], DS/L Northville/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":488764,"width":"262px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/116-Giselle-Burlingame.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-488764" style="width:262px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='240701' first='Giselle' last='Burlingame']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northville has never been short on defensive talent, but the 2023 squad graduates it two leading defenders in the back row. Burlingame is poised to step in and lead the way next fall and the Mustangs shouldn't miss a beat. She's got the same quickness and instincts of her elder teammates and also brings an explosive serve to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226884' first='Faith' last='Cullen'], So. OH Brighton/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brighton was a breakout team during the 2023 prep season, but is graduating a big core, especially with its attack. That's where a sophomore like Cullen can come through. She's going to see a much bigger role in 2024 and she seems more than capable of handling it. She's got great instincts on the floor and is finding new aspects to her swing with each week. Cullen definitely should be a talent that draws more attention a year from now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226890' first='Emma' last='Duffy'], S Lakewood/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duffy is part of a Lakewood program that has been known for developing talent. The 2024 season is going to be a big one for the Vikings as they go through some transitions and establish new leadership. With some key hitters and a top libero graduating, Duffy will be looked upon to step up. The Lakewood setter has been able to do so early in her prep career, but looks primed to take another step forward during the club season with FaR Out in order to take command in the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='449093' first='Skyye' last='Frailey'], OH Troy Athens/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frailey took a big step up in play as a sophomore with Troy Athens and she looked even better in the recent Michigan Top 250 Showcase in December. Frailey has good length and is as comfortable swinging from the back row as she is at the net. With another solid club season, Frailey can really shine into one of the top players in Oakland County, which isn't easy. Improving on her finishing rate and becoming a more consistent defender will have her as a breakout star in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226896' first='Madison' last='Geer'], OH Frankenmuth/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Geer is going to get a big opportunity in 2024. Playing alongside her sister [player_tooltip player_id='153672' first='Audrey' last='Geer'], Madison learned a lot about being a leader and what it takes to thrive on the court. Next fall, Geer will get her chance to do just that for Frankenmuth. This club season should be a big one for her as well with Legacy, where she can develop into a well-rounded, six-rotation outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478074' first='Sarah' last='Pippin'], OH Edwardsburg/NIVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwardsburg brought a lot of power at the pins in 2023, but the Eddies graduate leading hitter [player_tooltip player_id='274528' first='Drew' last='Glaser'] and setter Lexi Schimpa. That puts the focus onto Pippin, who was an outstanding compliment to Glaser last fall and looks to be working hard to become that go-to option next fall. Pippin has the offensive arsenal to be that player, now she just needs to build on her defensive game with Northern Indiana Volleyball this club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->